Director of Housing

Overview

The Director of Housing will support people receiving services through the BH Res Service line. They will be responsible for overseeing the housing programs and funds that serve individuals with their housing needs. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to provide safe, affordable, and supportive housing options for this population. The Director collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that housing services align with the agency’s goals and objectives. Additionally, they may be involved in budgeting, program evaluation, and policy development related to housing and mental health services.

Advocates promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers many generous perks of employment and room for advancement.  We are a strong-knit community that values the ideas and contributions from our staff.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Minimum Education Required

Responsibilities

• Oversee the DMH Rental Subsidy Program and other housing resources to ensure that funding is being utilized to support people with movement through the ACCS program, units are being filled when vacancies occur, and all stakeholders are aware when changes within the programs occur.
• Manage day-to-day operations, including supervision of the Housing Team, funding oversight, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders such as government agencies, Local Housing Authorities and Administering Agencies, and community groups to enhance housing services and address the needs of people supported.
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords to increase and maintain housing opportunities to people served by the supported housing programs.
• Participate in housing inspections by housing authorities, the Department of Mental Health, HUD, Board of Health, the Quality Management Team or other entities as needed.
• Oversee HUD property recertification procedure in conjunction with agency fiscal and clinical teams.
• Responsible for training of clinical teams and housing team.
• Communicate with property owners any repairs that are needed so that units are meeting the conditions set forth by funding requirements or the state sanitary code.
• Facilitate a successful transition for a person moving by communicating with staff to assist with packing, setting up a moving company, obtaining furniture and setting up utilities.
• Communicate to tenants any landlord concerns and assist in problem solving. This may include assisting individuals with cleaning, discussing lease violations to prevent eviction, and relocating if necessary.
• Coordinate with the DMH Housing Coordinator on projects as they arise.
• Maintain in-house records of all leases in which Advocates acts as a guarantor, lessor, or co-lessor.
• Communicate with fiscal team any rent changes, upcoming moves, and provide supporting documentation as needed.
• Oversee HMIS/Vesta reporting for the Mckinney-Vento funding requirements.
• Provide monthly and weekly reports to DMH used to track and monitor housing funds.
• Perform interventions with program participants that address their identified goals and result in skill development for finding and maintaining independent housing.
• Provide support and supervision to staff as it pertains to housing issues.
• Provide transportation to program participants as connected to treatment needs.
• Communicate program participant’s progress, mental status, and any changes.
• Maintain ongoing constructive and productive communications with program/agency staff and service providers.
• Provide crisis intervention (which may include Safety Care techniques) and access emergency services as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social services or other related field preferred; or BA in related field and 5 or more years of related experience. 
• Expertise in tenant’s rights and common real estate practices.
• Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Must have sensitivity to the needs of the population.
• Strong analytical, numerical and reasoning abilities.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.  
• Must hold a valid drivers’ license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals supported.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

Why Should I Consider a Career in Human Services?

Our Team members are dedicated to engaging and empowering individuals by forming lasting relationships, collaboratively achieving personal goals, offering creative solutions to everyday and complex situations, and actively listening.  We exercise independent judgement and contribute to the overall success and benefit of the Team.

Is Human Services a Fit for Me?

Successful Team members are open-minded, eager and compassionate, and will exercise solid, independent judgement while fostering trustworthy relationships with the individuals that we serve.  We put the individual first.

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